Panthers release oft-injured Ron Edwards

The team announced they released veteran defensive tackle Ron Edwards Friday, which clears about $2.5 million off the salary cap.

“We appreciate the contributions that Ron has made to the Panthers the past two seasons,” head coach Ron Rivera said. “He set a great example on and off the field for our young players, and we wish him well moving forward.”

The Panthers signed Edwards two years ago to a three-year, $8.25 million deal to lend some stability, but he didn’t get a chance to do much. He missed all of 2011 with a torn triceps suffered in training camp, and played 11 games last year before a dislocated elbow landed him on IR again.

The Panthers will need to add talent there even if they bring Dwan Edwards back, as they finished the year playing a bunch of cast-offs and practice squaders.